February 5, 2020 1252 PM
TRI-COUNTY — Welcome to part three of our meet-the-candidates series. The deadline to register to vote was this Monday, and primaries are on March 3. Residents can make sure they’re on the voter rolls by contacting the Presidio County tax assessor/collector’s office at 432-729-4081.
This week, we’re diving into one of the most watched races in the state, if not the country: the race for Texas’s famously “purple” 23rd Congressional District. Represented by Will Hurd, a (relatively) middle-of-the-road Republican congressman who focuses on bipartisan issues like cybersecurity and human trafficking, the competition for this district has been used in recent elections as a bellwether for the mood of the country.
Hurd has held the seat since 2015. In the midterm elections of 2018, Democratic candidate Gina Ortiz Jones lost — by just 926 votes. But Hurd announced last year that he was retiring, and it’s an even more crowded race this election, with a total of 14 candidates running in both the Democratic and Republican primaries. We reached out to all the candidates to include them in this series, and all but one — Efrain Valdez, a Democrat — ultimately got back to us before our deadline.
Due to the crowded field, we’re splitting this race into two parts, beginning this week with the Democrats. Here are those Democratic candidates, in their own words. We’ve edited these interviews for clarity and brevity.
ROSALINDA “ROSEY” RAMOS ABUABARA
Introduce yourself. Why are you running for office?
I am running for Congress because I believe progressive reform is long overdue in the United States. I believe that Americans are entitled to more rights and services than their government affords them. Conservative leaders have consistently failed the American people. Our wealth disparity is obscene, our healthcare system is fatally dysfunctional, and our workers are consistently denied rights and protections. Our criminal justice system is fraught with systematic corruption and prejudice. The hate crimes against citizens and human rights violations at the border have become far too familiar. The consequences of conservative politics are completely unacceptable. I am running for office because I want to assist Americans in demanding more from their government. I’m running for office because I believe in reform, and I believe in progress towards a future of equality for all.
It’s a crowded field. What sets you apart — and what are your two top issues?
I am one of the only Latinas running for this position. With a district population that’s 70 percent Hispanic, I feel that I am most qualified to represent this district. My top issues include healthcare and comprehensive immigration reform. I believe that my extensive background in the medical field has prepared me to make decisions that would benefit our course of action for healthcare. As an activist, I have worked alongside organizations that provided aid and helped migrants relocate to their final destination. Through this, I was able to experience and hear firsthand the many difficulties of crossing the border and the migrants’ stories for wanting to have a better life in the United States. My community work has allowed me to connect with people and organizations at the grassroots level, preparing me to make informed decisions in solving problems.
What are the primary challenges facing the 23rd?
I believe the primary challenges facing the 23rd District of Texas are the border crisis, healthcare coverage in rural areas, education- and student-debt relief, environmental protections, working towards producing renewable energy and ending the fracking industry that has plagued our environment.
The 23rd is sometimes called a “swing” or “purple” district. In this hyper-partisan era, how do you plan to reach voters across the aisle?
In order to reach across the aisle, I am willing to listen to others’ perspectives and take them into account while making decisions about the district I represent. I am running to represent everyone in this great district, and I believe I have the appreciation and critical decision-making skills in order to encompass everyone’s concerns while solving issues. I believe in progressive legislation that largely focuses on the many underrepresented people of this district. However, I believe that listening to opinions and concerns from the other side is just as valuable. Reaching across party lines is essential in maintaining a stable and fair democracy.
The border — both in terms of immigration and trade — is a major political issue here. What are you thoughts on the myriad border issues affecting this region, from undocumented migrants to transmigrantes?
The border poses a major issue in this district. Assuming that the undocumented migrants are of no violent threat to the United States and that their work is valuable, I don’t see any reason why we can’t allow more transmigrantes. Undocumented migrants and transmigrantes are basically the same. They are human beings who deserve all the rights that any human has. They’re seeking better lives than they can find at home. We need to make a clear path to citizenship and allow migrants to start a better future in this great country.
Rural healthcare is hard to access in our area and across Texas. What efforts would you make to serve your constituents’ healthcare needs and access to specialty care?
There are many options that could be available to this region for healthcare. I would like to see physicians receive tuition forgiveness if they serve at least two years in rural areas. This would encourage more students to pursue a career in the healthcare field. We need to improve our medical infrastructure, looking at all aspects of health care, and see what works for the people of our district. Further, I would like to make providing remote access to healthcare professionals from around the country more accessible at healthcare facilities. This would help improve the overall standard for treatment and provide access to specialists that wouldn’t otherwise be available to the patient.
JAIME ESCUDER
Introduce yourself. Why are you running for office?
My name is Jaime Escuder and I am a trial lawyer living in Alpine, Texas with my wife and two young daughters. I graduated from the University of Chicago Law School and have been an advocate in the trial courts for over 15 years. I serve the people of the Big Bend in state and federal courts and also take pro bono cases with issues involving fundamental rights or the environment. I am running for office because my work has given me a front row seat to the disastrous consequences of systemic poverty and the lack of access to opportunity. I understand how our government works and have the advocacy skills to fight for the changes that people in this district need.
It’s a crowded field. What sets you apart — and what are your two top issues?
As an experienced trial lawyer, I’m the only trained advocate in this race. Recently, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mentioned “comfort in the courtroom” as the primary trait that she wants in an impeachment manager. With me in Congress, the Democratic party will have a deeper bench to choose from when it comes to exposing the corruption that is rampant in Washington.
I think addressing the clear and present danger of climate change has to be the top concern of the day. No other issues matter if we do not have a habitable planet. I also think we have to change the unconscionable wealth inequality in this nation, which affects healthcare, education, housing, criminal justice and access to opportunity in general.
What are the primary challenges facing the 23rd?
I think the biggest challenge the people of the 23rd face is balancing the needs of those struggling with issues like suppressed wages and lack of healthcare with the wealthy few who profit from it.
The 23rd is sometimes called a “swing” or “purple” district. In this hyper-partisan era, how do you plan to reach voters across the aisle?
Polarization has made it hard for us to hear one another. Political gamesmanship has trumped recognizing our common humanity. I think the idea that a Democrat can sway Trump supporters by moving their positions to the right is a myth. However, the core principle underneath all of my policy positions is recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. I think that is something that appeals to Democrats and Republicans of conscience, and it is the starting point for creating policies that work for the good of all.
The border — both in terms of immigration and trade — is a major political issue here. What are you thoughts on the myriad border issues affecting this region, from undocumented migrants to transmigrantes?
As someone who lives and works in a border county, I understand how important this issue is. While I recognize the need for a secure border, I oppose the building of the wall and support the repeal of Title 8 of the United States Code [USC] Section 1325, which criminalizes unauthorized border crossings. I believe they should be a civil issue. I see immigrants as an asset to our country and support citizenship for DREAMers. I believe that all applicants deserve a reasonable path to citizenship. I support trade with Mexico, but oppose any agreement that does not account for climate change. I believe all current and proposed agreements to be inadequate in this regard.
Rural healthcare is hard to access in our area and across Texas. What efforts would you make to serve your constituents’ healthcare needs and access to specialty care?
I live in a rural area and am well aware of the challenges to accessing adequate healthcare. I support Medicare for All, as well as increased incentives for doctors to practice in rural areas. I also support an upgraded public transportation system to include high speed rail, which will allow rural residents to more easily and affordably get to urban areas for specialized care.
GINA ORTIZ JONES
Introduce yourself. Why are you running for office?
I’m a first-generation American who was raised by a single mother who came to this country because she believed in the promise of a better life. She taught my sister and me that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. I grew up in San Antonio and went to John Jay High School, where I earned a four-year Air Force ROTC scholarship to attend Boston University. I served in the U.S. Air Force as an intelligence officer, deployed to Iraq and returned home to take care of my mom when she was diagnosed with cancer. I spent my career in national security, from the Air Force to the executive office of the president. I ran for Texas’s 23rd Congressional District in 2018 and came within 926 votes winning. I’m running for Congress to expand and protect the opportunities that allowed me to grow up healthy, get an education, and serve our country.
It’s a crowded field. What sets you apart — and what are your two top issues?
In 2018, I was honored to earn the support of so many folks across our district. Our campaign is picking up right where we left off, and we’ve been overwhelmed by the grassroots support and momentum we’ve experienced so far. In Congress, I will fight to expand access to affordable healthcare while protecting critical programs like Social Security and Medicare, and work to invest in the infrastructure critical to closing the economic, educational and healthcare gaps that exist between our urban and rural communities.
What are the primary challenges facing the 23rd?
Lack of access to affordable healthcare is the number one issue all over South and West Texas. Similarly, voters talk about the lack of opportunities in their rural communities, which forces them to leave for better jobs elsewhere. This is why I’m focused on building the infrastructure that helps to close the opportunity gaps between our urban and rural communities. One way to do that is to invest more heavily in renewable energy. Texas leads in this field, and much of the wind and solar power generated in our state comes from TX-23. We need to invest in the renewable energy infrastructure and training that will bring even greater economic opportunities to our district.
The 23rd is sometimes called a “swing” or “purple” district. In this hyper-partisan era, how do you plan to reach voters across the aisle?
In 2018, I came within 926 votes of winning TX-23, which shows that this district is ready for better representation in Washington. Our message of opportunity for all resonated with voters all across South and West Texas, and we look forward to building on that this year. I have a long record of public service, putting country above everything else. That is the approach I continue to use when talking with voters about the issues they care about and the change they want to see in our communities.
The border — both in terms of immigration and trade — is a major political issue here. What are you thoughts on the myriad border issues affecting this region, from undocumented migrants to transmigrantes?
As a first-generation American and veteran, I know that immigration strengthens our economy and is key to our national security. I support a clean DREAM Act to honor the promise we made to those young people who are American in every sense of the word. We need policies that tap into our country’s talent, not ones that force vulnerable communities into the shadows. Moreover, the federal government should not steal billions of dollars from our military and seize private land to build a wasteful, ineffective border wall. When I speak with elected officials and voters in our border communities, they want the type of infrastructure that generates revenue and capitalizes on the natural economic, social, and cultural ties between our border communities. They’re talking about bridges and broadband — not a border wall.
Rural healthcare is hard to access in our area and across Texas. What efforts would you make to serve your constituents’ healthcare needs and access to specialty care?
I am focused on protecting and working to expand Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. These are lifesaving programs and critical to sustaining our rural healthcare facilities. As someone who gets my own care through the VA, I will work to ensure veterans living in our rural communities have the care they deserve. We need to bring down the costs of prescription medicine and invest in the infrastructure needed to fully realize telemedicine and telepsychiatry in our rural communities. Lastly, we need to identify ways federal investments may help our rural counties and municipalities deal with the unique challenges of their older residents aging in place.
RICARDO MADRID
Introduce yourself. Why are you running for office?
I am a worker and a supporter of the working class. I am currently working as a Texas-certified community health worker in the San Antonio, Texas metroplex. I grew up in and around the 23rd District as a bilingual and bicultural Latino. I am a first generation high school graduate that went on to serve my country in the United States Army.
I often worked two jobs to save money for college and travel abroad, to witness firsthand opportunities and solutions to common global problems. I continued working mostly full time and overtime in multiple jobs over the years as I earned my Associate’s Degree from Chabot College in Hayward, California, and my Bachelor’s Degree from The University of California at Berkeley. In my lifetime, I have witnessed and experienced the nation losing ground on human and civil rights; losing ground on social and economic rights and opportunities; losing ground on environmental actions, social justice and world peace.
Nowadays, things are much worse. It is appalling and a grave injustice to humanity that in the richest country in the world we have such high rates of poverty and the highest rates of people without health insurance. A high percentage of people go hungry. A high percentage of people are in jail, many innocent. Many are homeless or near homelessness.
Enough is enough! This is unacceptable. We can do much better than that. This is why I am running for Congress. I have the courage, vision and leadership ability to take us to a better tomorrow.
It’s a crowded field. What sets you apart — and what are your two top issues?
I am a worker and supporter of worker rights, not a politician. I like telling the truth. I have an unbreakable and incorruptible moral backbone to carry out the issues in our platform. I stand with and for the workers and families, the poor and the middle class and the benefit of all society.
I am living through some of the issues addressed and discussed in my platform and campaign. The issues that I put forward are backed by real-life examples, science and common sense. I am committed to the issues in my platform regardless of whether I am involved in politics or not, which is why I am doing this campaign mostly on my salary. I am and have been in the trenches, and I am still trying to break out of generational poverty by having two jobs. Sometimes, I still struggle to survive. For most people, the social mobility to move up the economic and social ladder does not exist. So here I am, trying to make my community and nation a better place to live, because I know it can be done. Together, we can do much better than before. A better world is possible!
What are the primary challenges facing the 23rd?
The lack of good, paying union jobs and lack of infrastructure. The lack and access to all kinds of resources (water, electricity, government help, etc.) and congressional misrepresentation.
Two things that would help fix those problems are the passage of the Green New Deal and the passage and implementation of my Regional Strategic Action Plan for Texas District 23, creating community economic development special zones for business and trade, immigration and temporary workers, social and cultural programs and economic and historical development. It would mandate that Texas and District 23 strive to become a green-energy leader through a comprehensive infrastructure and transportation program that commits to helping all communities, and especially rural communities, with their infrastructure projects. The plan would recognize that resources on public lands are public resources and leverage those resources for the benefit of all society. It would encompass solar and wind power, high-speed and light-rail and, more importantly, would provide thousands of good, family-sustaining union jobs with a jobs guarantee.
The 23rd is sometimes called a “swing” or “purple” district. In this hyper-partisan era, how do you plan to reach voters across the aisle?
By appealing to the basic issues all voters want, such as: comprehensive universal healthcare coverage, free public universal higher-education programs, a $15 dollar-per-hour minimum wage, student-loan debt forgiveness, etc. More importantly, I would work hard to carry out my platform and turn this district totally blue.
The border — both in terms of immigration and trade — is a major political issue here. What are you thoughts on the myriad border issues affecting this region, from undocumented migrants to transmigrantes?
Comprehensive immigration reform. Legalize DACA recipients. Encourage, promote and sponsor legal seasonal migration, permitting people to come to the U.S. and return to their countries, as in temporary worker programs that are safe and fair to all workers and committed to humane, compassionate and fair border control measures. Immigration-friendly is also people- and business-friendly. Legislation that considers the root causes and true impact of our policies on our own people and on the countries people migrate from. No jails or physical walls, but rather virtual monitoring and surveillance. Reform and eliminate ICE.
Rural healthcare is hard to access in our area and across Texas. What efforts would you make to serve your constituents’ healthcare needs and access to specialty care?
Americans pay the most in healthcare costs and should get the most — the best in the world. Comprehensive universal healthcare coverage for all. Establish a health care commission to set the legal foundation by providing a detailed deep study and report with recommendations and solutions that all branches of government could follow as a blueprint to implement changes that could lead to universal healthcare coverage for all, or greatly expanded Medicare as a minimum that generously covers most medical procedures, including vision, dental, hearing, mental health and the social determinants of health. Use the collective bargaining power of the federal government to lower drug prices. Break the health insurance and drugmaker monopolies. Establish public health clinics in every town that includes specialty care, providing good family sustaining jobs for people in the communities especially in rural areas.
